monti has been credited with keeping italy's debt crisis under control. the japanese economy has some gross domestic problems. japan's gdp has contracted two quarters in a row, signaling it has entered recession. a recent territorial dispute with the chinese government and struggles following last year's tsunami continue to hurt japan's export market. an election next week in japan could have a large effect on fiscal policy. reports say delta is close to landing a deal that will give the airline a 49% stake in virgin atlantic. bloomberg reports talks between delta and singapore airlines, which is looking to sell its stake in virgin, are advancing. the deal is estimated to cost between $300 and $500 million. it could mean a step up for delta's business, due to virgin atlantic's high volume of premium passengers. apple and google reportedly are forming a rather odd alliance. the two rivals are making a joint bid for a bundle of kodak patents. according to bloomberg news, the combined bid is $500 million. kodak could get an $830 million loan to get out of ba